A warm welcome to our community.
For more than 25 years, we've been a friendly, knowledgeable place to turn for anyone navigating life gluten-free in western New York.
Who we are
The Western New York Gluten Free Diet Support Group, Inc. (WNYGFDSG) is a member-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports individuals and families living with celiac disease (CD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and gluten intolerance.
Founded in 1998, we're a growing and dynamic organization drawing members from a very large geographic area across western New York — with more than 250 current members and a very active online community.
How we help
Whether you were just diagnosed or have been gluten-free for years, there's a place for you here.
Meetings & programs
Expert speakers on celiac care, testing, nutrition, and living well gluten-free.
Gluten-free dining
Completely gluten-free group dinners — worry-free food, fellowship, and mutual support.
Trusted resources
Research-based information on diagnosis, testing, and follow-up care — kept current.
Personal support
Real people who understand. Reach out and we'll connect you with someone who's been there.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Come to a meeting, receive a free bag of gluten-free food, and find a caring group ready to help you back on the road to health.
Start here →Questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Email [email protected]
WNY Gluten Free Diet Support Group · P.O. Box 1835 · Williamsville, NY 14231
Become a member.
Membership connects you to a welcoming community, expert programs, gluten-free dining events, and a newsletter full of helpful information — and it directly supports our mission across western New York.
Open to individuals and families. New and renewing members are welcome any time of year.
Per household. Renews each calendar year.
What your membership supports
Every membership helps sustain the group and reach more people in our community.
Programs & speakers
Speaker fees, event costs, and the venues that make our meetings and dinners possible.
Staying connected
Mailings, our website and web hosting, and insurance that keep the group running.
Our newsletter
Members receive our newsletter — upcoming events, recipes, and articles of interest.
Prefer your newsletter by email?
Members who currently receive the newsletter by mail can switch to the electronic version — it saves clutter, saves a tree, and saves the group money we can put toward celiac awareness. Just email [email protected] with “Newsletter” in the subject line. Once your membership is confirmed, you'll receive each newsletter as a PDF — often before the mailed copies go out.
Donate to celiac awareness in WNY
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our community. Donations of any size help fund speakers, dining events, free gluten-free food for the newly diagnosed, and outreach. Gifts are gratefully accepted by mail or at any meeting.
P.O. Box 1835, Williamsville, NY 14231
Come gather with us.
We currently focus on gluten-free dining events — and dining events with expert speakers — where members enjoy worry-free food, fellowship, and mutual support.
About our dining events
A few times a year, we organize completely gluten-free group dining events. These give participating restaurants a chance to become familiar and comfortable with preparing gluten-free cuisine — and give our members a rare opportunity to dine out without worry. Our members look forward to them not only for the food, but for the fellowship and mutual support.
Recent speakers & programs
A look back at the experts who've joined us — a sign of just how active our community is.
Don't miss the next event
Members get event details and the newsletter first. New and renewing members welcome any time.
Understanding celiac disease.
Clear, research-based information to help you get started — from what celiac disease is, to testing, to where to turn next.
Our group is a great place to start.
Come to a meeting and receive helpful information, tips, and a free bag of gluten-free food — plus the support of a caring group of people who understand exactly what you're going through.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune condition that affects both children and adults. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley — their immune system reacts and damages the lining (the villi) of the small intestine, which interferes with the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
It's more common than many people realize — current research estimates celiac disease affects roughly 1 in 100 people worldwide, and a large share remain undiagnosed. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. With careful management, the intestine can heal and symptoms improve.
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)
A chronic, intensely itchy skin rash that is the skin manifestation of celiac disease, also managed with a gluten-free diet.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Some people experience real symptoms from gluten without celiac disease or a wheat allergy. A gluten-free diet may help once celiac disease is ruled out.
Recognizing the symptoms
Celiac disease can look very different from person to person, and many people have few or no obvious symptoms at all — sometimes called “silent” celiac disease. Because of this, it often goes undiagnosed for years.
Common signs can include:
Family matters. Celiac disease runs in families. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with celiac disease — or symptoms or conditions associated with it — talk to your doctor about being tested, even if you feel fine.
Testing & diagnosis
Keep eating gluten until testing is complete. Going gluten-free before you're tested can cause results to come back falsely negative. Talk with your doctor before changing your diet.
Blood tests
The usual first step is a blood test. The tissue transglutaminase antibody test (tTG-IgA), checked alongside a total IgA level, is the most widely recommended screening test. The endomysial antibody (EMA) test may also be used. (Older anti-gliadin antibody tests are now considered outdated.)
Intestinal biopsy
If blood tests suggest celiac disease, a gastroenterologist usually confirms it with a small-intestine biopsy taken during an endoscopy — still considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis in most cases.
Genetic testing (when helpful)
Testing for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes can't diagnose celiac disease on its own, but a negative result makes it very unlikely — useful in certain situations your doctor can explain.
Why early diagnosis matters
Catching celiac disease early and starting a gluten-free diet helps the gut heal and lowers the long-term risk of complications such as nutritional deficiencies, low bone density (osteoporosis), and other autoimmune conditions. If you suspect celiac disease, it's worth pursuing a clear answer with your healthcare provider.
Trusted organizations
National research, advocacy, and support organizations with reliable, up-to-date information.
Beyond Celiac
Advocacy and research driving toward treatments and a cure (formerly the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness).
beyondceliac.org →Celiac Disease Foundation
Patient support, education, and advocacy, working closely with healthcare professionals and researchers.
celiac.org →National Celiac Association
Support and information for people affected by celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.
nationalceliac.org →Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
Information, gluten-free certification, and community programs across North America.
gluten.org →U. of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
Raising diagnosis rates through education, research, and advocacy — with deep info on testing and diagnosis.
cureceliacdisease.org →Celiac Disease Center at Columbia
A leading clinical and research center with patient-friendly resources on living gluten-free.
celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu →This information is shared for educational purposes and to help you get started — it is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your physician about diagnosis, testing, and treatment decisions.
Good food, gluten-free.
Ideas, tips, and tried-and-true recipes from our members. Start with these gluten-free flour mixes — they make it easy to convert many of your favorite recipes.
Gluten-free flour mixes
Making a gluten-free flour mix isn't difficult — keep one on hand and substitute it 1:1 for wheat flour in many recipes.
Mix #1
- ¼ cup soy flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- ½ cup brown rice flour
Mix together. 1 cup = 1 cup wheat flour.
Mix #2
- 3 cups white or brown rice flour
- 1 cup potato starch
- ½ cup tapioca flour
Mix together. 1 cup = 1 cup wheat flour.
Mix #3
- ¼ cup rice flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup potato flour (not starch)
Mix together. 1 cup = 1 cup wheat flour.
A baking tip
Use extra-fine ground flours — especially rice — when baking cakes and cookies for a smoother texture. Reach for a more coarsely ground flour when making breads and pizza crusts. Matching the grind to the bake makes a real difference.
More combinations to try
- • 2 cups rice flour + ⅔ cup potato starch flour + ⅓ cup tapioca flour
- • Equal parts soybean flour + cornstarch
- • Equal parts soybean flour + potato starch flour
Have a favorite GF recipe?
We'd love to share it with the community. Send us your favorite gluten-free recipes, products, and tips by email or mail.
Email your recipeOr mail to: WNY Gluten Free Diet Support Group, P.O. Box 1835, Williamsville, NY 14231
Dining out, gluten-free.
A member-suggested guide to restaurants and stores across western New York that recognize the gluten-free diet.
Be your own best advocate. These listings are provided as a service and may change over time — we can't guarantee any item is completely gluten-free. Wheat-free does not always mean gluten-free. Always call ahead, ask how food is prepared, and confirm before you order.
Tips for eating out
- ✓ Dine earlier or later than the crowd, so staff can give you the attention you need.
- ✓ Call ahead and make reservations, letting the restaurant know your needs.
- ✓ Ask questions to be sure what you're served is truly gluten-free.
- ✓ Verify fried foods aren't cooked in the same oil as gluten-containing items.
- ✓ Be polite and get to know the staff — being a regular has its perks. Tip well; it's remembered.
Looking for the most current list?
Try Find Me Gluten Free — search by zip code for nearby gluten-free-friendly restaurants, read reviews from the community, and keep listings up to date. There's an app, too.
Visit findmeglutenfree.com →Restaurant chains in our area
Local restaurants recognizing gluten-free
Member-suggested spots across the region. Call ahead to confirm current gluten-free options.
Bakeries
Dessert & ice cream
These businesses offer gluten-free items but may still risk cross-contamination — you are your own best advocate.
Stores carrying gluten-free products
A word about gluten-free pizza
A growing number of WNY pizzerias offer gluten-free options — good news for enjoying a Buffalo favorite, but kitchen practices vary widely. Some use crusts made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and bake them carefully to avoid cross-contamination; others simply add toppings to a GF crust in a shared kitchen.
Before you order, ask: Are gluten-free toppings kept separate? Do staff change gloves? Are GF pies baked separately from regular pizzas? When in doubt, ask — and trust your judgment.
Know a great gluten-free spot?
Help us keep this guide current — tell us about a new gluten-free restaurant, product, or store.
Western New York's gluten-free community, since 1998.
Support, expert programs, and worry-free dining for individuals and families living with celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and gluten intolerance.
Are you gluten-free in Western New York?
Join a welcoming group of people who are also gluten-free — for programs with interesting speakers, completely gluten-free dining events, trusted resources, and so much more.
What we do
Meetings & programs
Expert speakers — dietitians, doctors, and researchers — on celiac disease and living well, gluten-free.
Dining events
Completely gluten-free group dinners at local restaurants — eat with new friends, without fear.
Recipes & resources
Trusted, research-based info, gluten-free recipes, and local restaurants & stores across the region.
Our group is a great place to start.
Come to a meeting, receive a free bag of gluten-free food, and connect with people who understand exactly what you're going through. We'll help you back on the road to health.
Start here →Support celiac awareness in WNY
Your membership and donations fund our speakers, dining events, and outreach. Dues & gifts are accepted by mail or at any meeting.